Kale Lewis is a 23 year old Kid-lit Illustrator based in Columbus, Ohio. They studied at Columbus College of Art & Design, and Graduated in 2024 with their BFA in Illustration, and Minor in Art Therapy.
Having a fascination with the intersection of literacy, child development, and Illustration, Kale is excited to capture the magic in the mundane as a way to tap into exploration while learning.
Kale has had the opportunity to have her work published in 18 leveled reader, decodable, and educational kid-lit texts.
About Kale
Academic and Art Honors
Because of her Involvement in the Student Leadership community, Kale was asked to speak at CCAD’s Spring 2024 Graduation and give an address on behalf of their peers. Kale’s speech highlighted the importance of engaging in local creative communities, finding time to create art for yourself even within creative careers, and staying connected with your peers post grad!
Some of Kale’s other Honors Include:
Work Published in 20+ Educational Kid-Lit books
Attended Chateau D’Orquevaux Artist Residency (February 2025)
Featured in Best of CCAD: Chroma Art show (2021-2024)
Acceptance and Participation in CCAD Sponsored Art Fairs (2021-2023)
Featured on the Deans/President’s list (2020-2024)
Mental Health and First Aid Certified (2021-2024)
Delaware Arts Festival Association Scholarship, 3rd place (2020)
Mary M. Morton Scholarship recipient (2020)
Smudge Makes a Friend
Smudge is an energetic, spunky, and independent cat. She loves routine and thrives in spaces she calls her own. When smudge and her owner move to a new house, she settles in and all seems well...Until an unexpected visitor comes to play.
I wrote and illustrated Smudge Makes a Friend for my BFA Capstone project. Smudge Makes a Friend is based on my cat, Smudge, the struggles of adapting to that space, and sharing that space with other people and animals. Below are some of the interior pages: